"Any suggestion that this is not a huge increase in taxpayer expenditure is completely dishonest," said former City Councilman John Cranley, who's widely believed to be a candidate.

Former mayor and current vice mayor Roxanne Qualls is definitely running.

"Put aside money, relocate the utilities and we fully expect that we will be reimbursed for that," Qualls said

The project's supporters want the city to fund $29 million up front so contruction can begin on the controversial transportation project.

"Delays drive up costs," said City Manager Milton Dohoney. "It's really that simple."

But critics said one look at the city's riverfront should confirm that the plan doesn't add up.

"The Banks project, the riverfront park doesn't have any money to finish the park," Cranley said. "They're taking the money from the (tax incremental funding) district for the Banks and putting it into the streetcar."

Half the money City Council would shift is undesignated, Dohoney said.

"I will go ahead and say one more time the actions we are taking in no way jeopardizes the further development of The Banks," Dohoney said.

Streetcar supporters said the risk of further delay could halt the city's progress.

"We've invested in The Banks, we've invested in Washington Park, we've invested in Over-the-Rhine, (and) people are very excited, and the streetcar is the next major investment that continues the momentum," Qualls said.

A Mexican photojournalist who left the state he worked in because of threats was among five people found shot to death in a Mexico City apartment this weekend, officials and press freedom advocacy groups said.